WASHINGTON, D.C. - A proposal to stop taxpayer money from being used to secretly settle sexual harassment claims in Congress is gaining bipartisan support at the U.S. Capitol, including from U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher.

As of Wednesday, Gallagher, R-Green Bay, was the only Wisconsin member of the House of Representatives to sign on as a formal supporter of the legislation, which has garnered 75 co-sponsors.

The proposal comes amid growing attention to sexual harassment and assault around the country, including allegations against congressmen. Women in recent months have publicly accused elected federal and state officials, prominent journalists and celebrities of impropriety.

The new legislation, called the Congressional Accountability and Hush Fund Elimination Act, would prohibit the use of tax dollars to pay settlements for sexual harassment and assault claims; disclose all previous payments without revealing victims' names; require that perpetrators reimburse taxpayers; outlaw confidentiality agreements as a condition to resolve claims; and allows victims to make public statements about their cases, even if they had previously signed a non-disclosure agreement.

"Members of Congress using taxpayer dollars to cover up sexual harassment is unacceptable," Gallagher said in a statement. "I urge my colleagues in the House to support this bill to help empower survivors, restore accountability in Congress and protect taxpayer money. It’s time to hold Congress to a higher standard, and this bill is a necessary place to start."